Yes, ad blockers are legal in Utah under current state law, as no Utah statute explicitly prohibits their use. The Utah Division of Consumer Protection has not issued regulations targeting ad blockers, and courts have not addressed their legality in the state. However, compliance with federal laws like the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) remains critical, particularly when ad blockers circumvent paywalls or terms of service.
Key Regulations for Ad Blockers in Utah
- Federal CFAA Compliance: Utah businesses may pursue CFAA claims if ad blockers access restricted content without authorization, as seen in Sandvig v. Barr (2020) and subsequent rulings. Violations could result in civil penalties or criminal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1030.
- Consumer Protection Laws: The Utah Consumer Sales Practices Act (UCSPA) prohibits deceptive practices, but ad blockers themselves are not inherently deceptive unless misrepresented (e.g., falsely claiming compliance with publisher policies).
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: The Utah Legislature’s 2025 interim committee on digital privacy is reviewing ad-blocking tools’ impact on local publishers. Pending legislation may introduce disclosure requirements for ad blockers operating in Utah by 2026.
Businesses and users should monitor Utah’s 2026 legislative session for updates, as emerging regulations could impose additional obligations on ad-blocking software providers.